Buffer-driving circuit capable of increasing responding speed and prolonging lifespan, buffer, and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A method for increasing responding speed and lifespan of a buffer includes detecting an edge of an input signal of the buffer, triggering a pulse signal with a predetermined period according to the detected edge, and driving the buffer for generating an output signal according to the pulse signal and the input signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This divisional application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/582,718, filed on Oct. 21, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to a buffer, and more particularly, to a buffer capable of increasing the responding speed and prolonging the lifespan.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the design of a general buffer, the responding speed is limited by the bias voltage of the electrical components of the buffer. That is, if the bias voltage of the buffer is raised up, the responding speed of the buffer increases. However, in this way, the lifespan of the buffer is reduced, causing a great inconvenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a buffer-driving circuit capable of increasing a responding speed of a buffer circuit and a lifespan of the buffer circuit. The buffer circuit has a transmitting transistor and a voltage-sharing transistor. The transmitting transistor is coupled between a first voltage source and the voltage-sharing transistor. The voltage-sharing transistor is coupled between the transmitting transistor and an output end of the buffer circuit. The first voltage source provides a first voltage. The buffer circuit is utilized for buffering an input signal and accordingly generating an output signal from the output end of the buffer circuit. The buffer-driving circuit comprises a level-shifting circuit, a pulse generator, and a bias circuit. The level-shifting circuit is utilized for shifting a voltage level of the input signal so as to generate a level-shifting signal. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to a first predetermined voltage level, the level-shifting signal is equal to the first voltage. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to a second predetermined voltage level, the level-shifting signal is equal to a second voltage. The pulse generator is utilized for generating a pulse signal with a predetermined period when the input signal is in a transition state. The bias circuit comprises a first inverter, and a second inverter. The first inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the first inverter is coupled to the level-shifting circuit for receiving the level-shifting signal. The output end of the first inverter is coupled to a control end of the transmitting transistor, for outputting a transmitting gate-driving signal so as to control the transmitting transistor. The first power end of the first inverter is coupled to the first voltage source, for receiving the first voltage. The second inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the second inverter is coupled to the pulse generator, for receiving the pulse signal. The output end of the second inverter is coupled to a control end of the voltage-sharing transistor and the second power end of the first inverter, for outputting a voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. The first power end of the second inverter is coupled to a second voltage source, for receiving the second voltage. The second power end of the second inverter is coupled to a third voltage source, for receiving a third voltage. An amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal is between the first voltage and the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. An amplitude of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal is between the second voltage and the third voltage.

The present invention further provides a buffer with a fast responding speed and a long life span. The buffer is utilized for buffering an input signal so as to generate an output signal. The buffer comprises a buffer circuit, and a buffer-driving circuit. The buffer circuit comprises a P-type buffer circuit, and an N-type buffer circuit. The P-type buffer circuit comprises a P-type transmitting transistor, and a P-type voltage-sharing transistor. The P-type transmitting transistor comprises a first end, a second end, and a control end. The first end of the P-type transmitting transistor is coupled to a first voltage source, for receiving a first voltage. The control end of the P-type transmitting transistor is utilized for receiving a P-type transmitting gate-driving signal. The P-type voltage-sharing transistor comprises a first end, a second end, and a control end. The first end of the P-type voltage-sharing transistor is coupled to the second end of the P-type transmitting transistor. The second end of the P-type voltage-sharing transistor is coupled to an output end of the buffer, for receiving the output signal. The control end of the P-type voltage-sharing transistor is utilized for receiving a P-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. The N-type buffer circuit comprises an N-type transmitting transistor, and an N-type voltage-sharing transistor. The N-type transmitting transistor comprises a first end, a second end, and a control end. The first end of the N-type transmitting transistor is coupled to a second voltage source, for receiving a second voltage. The control end of the N-type transmitting transistor is utilized for receiving an N-type transmitting gate-driving signal. The N-type voltage-sharing transistor comprises a first end, a second end, and a control end. The first end of the N-type voltage-sharing transistor is coupled to the second end of the N-type transmitting transistor. The second end of the N-type voltage-sharing transistor is coupled to the output end of the buffer, for receiving the output signal. The control end of the N-type voltage-sharing transistor is utilized for receiving an N-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. The buffer-driving circuit comprises a P-type buffer-driving circuit, and an N-type buffer-driving circuit. The P-type buffer-driving circuit comprises a P-type level-shifting circuit, a P-type pulse generator, and a P-type bias circuit. The P-type level-shifting circuit is utilized for shifting a voltage level of the input signal so as to generate a P-type level shifting signal. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to a first predetermined voltage level, the P-type level shifting signal is equal to the first voltage. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to a second predetermined voltage level, the P-type level-shifting signal is equal to a third voltage. The P-type pulse generator is utilized for generating a P-type pulse signal with a first predetermined period according to a rising edge of the input signal. The P-type bias circuit comprises a first inverter, and a second inverter. The first inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the first inverter is coupled to the P-type level-shifting circuit, for receiving the P-type level-shifting signal. The output end of the first inverter is coupled to the control end of the P-type transmitting transistor, for outputting the P-type transmitting gate-driving signal. The first power end of the first inverter is coupled to the first voltage source, for receiving the first voltage. The second inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the second inverter is coupled to the P-type pulse generator, for receiving the P-type pulse signal. The output end of the second inverter is coupled to the control end of the P-type voltage-sharing transistor, for outputting the P-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. The first power end of the second inverter is coupled to a second voltage source, for receiving the second voltage. The second power end of the second inverter is coupled to a third voltage source, for receiving the third voltage. The N-type buffer-driving circuit comprises an N-type level-shifting circuit, an N-type pulse generator, and an N-type bias circuit. The N-type level-shifting circuit is utilized for shifting the voltage level of the output signal so as to generating an N-type level-shifting signal. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to the first predetermined voltage level, the level-shifting signal is equal to a fourth voltage. When the voltage level of the input signal is equal to the second predetermined voltage level, the level-shifting signal is equal to the second voltage. The N-type pulse generator is utilized for generating an N-type pulse signal with a second predetermined period according to a falling edge of the input signal. The N-type bias circuit comprises a third inverter, and a fourth inverter. The third inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the third inverter is coupled to the N-type level-shifting circuit, for receiving the N-type level-shifting signal. The output end of the third inverter is coupled to the control end of the N-type transmitting transistor, for outputting the N-type transmitting gate-driving signal. The first power end of the third inverter is coupled to the second voltage source, for receiving the second voltage. The fourth inverter comprises an input end, an output end, a first power end, and a second power end. The input end of the fourth inverter is coupled to the N-type pulse generator, for receiving the N-type pulse signal. The output end of the fourth inverter is coupled to the control end of the N-type voltage-sharing transistor, for outputting the N-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. The first power end of the fourth inverter is coupled to the first voltage source, for receiving the first voltage. The second power end of the fourth inverter is coupled to a fourth voltage source, for receiving the fourth voltage. An amplitude of the P-type transmitting gate-driving signal is between the first voltage and the P-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. An amplitude of the P-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal is between the second voltage and the third voltage. An amplitude of the N-type transmitting gate-driving signal is between the second voltage and the N-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. An amplitude of the N-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal is between the first voltage and the fourth voltage.

The present invention further provides a method capable of increasing a responding speed of a buffer and prolonging a lifespan of the buffer. The method comprises detecting an edge of an input signal of the buffer, triggering a pulse signal with a predetermined period according to the detected edge of the input signal, and driving the buffer according to the pulse signal and the input signal so as to generate an output signal.

The present invention further provides a buffer of buffering an input signal so as to generate an output signal from an output end. The buffer comprises a buffer-driving circuit, a transmitting transistor, and a voltage-sharing transistor. The buffer-driving circuit is utilized for receiving the input signal so as to generate a voltage-sharing gate-driving signal and a transmitting gate-driving signal. The transmitting transistor is coupled to a first voltage source, for receiving the transmitting gate-driving signal. The voltage-sharing transistor is coupled between the output end and the transmitting transistor, for receiving the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal. When the input signal is a first voltage, the transmitting gate-driving signal is equal to a first predetermined voltage during a first predetermined period, the transmitting driving signal is equal to a second predetermined voltage beyond the first predetermined period.

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a buffer with a fast responding speed and a long lifespan of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time diagram illustrating the relation between the signals in the buffer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a buffer 1000 with a fast responding speed and a long lifespan of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the buffer 1000 comprises a buffer circuit 1100, and a buffer-driving circuit 1200. The buffer 1000 is utilized for buffering an input signal V_(IN) so as to output an output signal V_(OUT). Since the low voltage level and the high voltage level of the input signal V_(IN) can be designed as desired, the logic “0” and “1” is used for representing the low voltage level and the high voltage level of the input signal V_(IN) in the present invention, respectively. The high voltage level of the output signal V_(OUT) is V_(DD) (the voltage provided by the voltage source V_(DD)), and the low voltage level of the output signal V_(OUT) is V_(SS) (the voltage provided by the voltage source V_(SS)). In addition, the voltage source V_(SS) can be a ground end. The output end of the buffer 1000 is coupled to a capacitor C_(OUT). The capacitor C_(OUT) is coupled between the output end of the buffer 1000 and the voltage source V_(SS).

The buffer circuit 1100 comprises a P-type buffer circuit 1110 and an N-type buffer circuit 1120. The P-type buffer circuit 1110 comprises a P-type transmitting transistor Q_(P) and a P-type voltage-sharing transistor Q_(PS). The N-type buffer circuit 1120 comprises an N-type transmitting transistor Q_(N) and an N-type voltage-sharing transistor Q_(NS). The transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N) are utilized for receiving the input signal V_(IN) driven by the buffer-driving circuit 1200, respectively, and so as to generate the output signal V_(OUT). The voltage-sharing transistors Q_(PS) and Q_(NS) are utilized for reducing the voltage drops across the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N), respectively, for prolonging the lifespan of the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N). The transmitting transistor Q_(P) is coupled to the voltage source V_(DD); the transmitting transistor Q_(N) is coupled to the voltage source V_(SS). Generally speaking, for increasing the responding speed of the buffer 1000, the voltage level of the voltage source V_(DD) is raised up or the voltage level of the voltage source V_(SS) is lowered down. However, this causes the voltage drops suffered by the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N) increase at the same time, reducing the lifespan. Hence, the voltage-sharing transistors Q_(PS) and Q_(NS) are utilized for sharing the voltage drops across the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N), respectively, for prolonging the lifespan of the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N). For the normal operation of the transmitting transistors Q_(P) and Q_(N), the voltage-sharing transistors Q_(PS) and Q_(NS) have to be biased properly. Thus, in the buffer-driving circuit 1200, two voltage sources V_(BP) and V_(BN) (respectively for providing the voltage V_(BP) and V_(BN)) are required for properly biasing the voltage-sharing transistors Q_(PS) and Q_(NS). In addition, the transistors Q_(P) and Q_(PS) can be P channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS) transistors; the transistors Q_(N) and Q_(NS) can be N channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) transistors.

The buffer-driving circuit 1200 comprises a P-type buffer-driving circuit 1210 and an N-type buffer-driving circuit 1220 for driving the P-type buffer circuit 1110 and the N-type buffer circuit 1120, respectively. The P-type buffer-driving circuit 1210 comprises a P-type level-shifting circuit 1211, a P-type pulse generator 1212, and a P-type bias circuit 1213. The N-type buffer-driving circuit 1220 comprises an N-type level-shifting circuit 1221, an N-type pulse generator 1222, and an N-type bias circuit 1223.

In the present embodiment, the P-type level-shifting circuit 1211 shifts the voltage level of the input signal V_(IN) for outputting the P-type level-shifting signal V_(PS): when the input signal V_(IN) represents logic “0”, the voltage level of the level-shifting signal V_(PS) is equal to the voltage V_(BP) (provided by the voltage source V_(BP), wherein the voltage level of the voltage V_(BP) is between the voltage V_(DD) and the voltage V_(SS)); when the input signal V_(IN) represents logic “1”, the voltage level of the level-shifting signal V_(PS) is equal to the voltage V_(DD) (provided by the voltage source V_(DD)).

The P-type pulse generator 1212 generates the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) according to the transition of the input signal V_(IN): when the input signal V_(IN) changes from representing logic “0” to logic “1” (that is, when the rising edge of the input signal V_(IN) occurs), the P-type pulse generator 1212 triggers the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) (edge trigger). The high voltage level of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) is equal to the voltage V_(BP), and the low voltage level of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) is equal to the voltage V_(SS); the pulse width of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) is equal to a predetermined period T_(P), and the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) is a rising pulse signal.

The P-type bias circuit 1213 comprises inverters INV₁ and INV₂. The inverter INV₁ is mainly utilized for converting the P-type level-shifting signal V_(PS) into the P-type transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) so as to drive the transmitting transistor Q_(P). The inverter INV₂ is mainly utilized for converting the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) into the P-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD) so as to bias the voltage-sharing transistor Q_(PS).

More particularly, the input end of the inverter INV₁ is utilized for receiving the P-type level-shifting signal V_(PS); the output end of the inverter INV₁ is coupled to the control end (gate) of the transmitting transistor Q_(P) for outputting the P-type transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) so as to control the transmitting transistor Q_(P). In addition, the power ends of the inverter INV₁ are coupled to the voltage sources V_(DD) and the output end of the inverter INV₂. Hence, although the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) is inverted to the P-type level-shifting signal V_(PS), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) is limited between the voltage level of the voltage source V_(DD) and the signal outputted by the inverter INV₂.

The input end of the inverter INV₂ is utilized for receiving the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) and accordingly inverting the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) so as to output the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD). The power ends of the inverter INV₂ are coupled to the voltage source V_(BP) and V_(SS). Therefore, the amplitude of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD) is limited between the voltages V_(BP) and V_(SS). Consequently, when the voltage level of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD) is equal to the voltage V_(BP), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) is between the voltages V_(DD) and V_(BP); when the voltage level of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD) is equal to the voltage V_(SS), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) is between the voltages V_(DD) and V_(SS).

As a result, in the P-type buffer-driving circuit 1210, when the input signal V_(IN) is in the transition state (the rising edge), the received transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) of the transmitting transistor Q_(P) can be lowered more (lower than the voltage V_(BP)) through the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) generated by the P-type pulse generator. In this way, the transmitting transistor Q_(P) can be turned on more completely so that the current passing through the transmitting transistor Q_(P) becomes larger, increasing the speed of charging the capacitor V_(OUT) and accelerating the responding speed of the buffer 1000.

The N-type level-shifting circuit 1221 shifts the voltage level of the input signal V_(IN) for outputting the N-type level-shifting signal V_(NS): when the input signal V_(IN) represents logic “1”, the voltage level of the level-shifting signal V_(NS) is equal to the voltage V_(BN) (provided by the voltage source V_(BN), wherein the voltage level of the voltage V_(BN) is between the voltages V_(DD) and V_(SS)); when the input signal V_(IN) represents logic “0”, the voltage level of the level-shifting signal V_(NS) is equal to the voltage V_(SS) (provided by the voltage source V_(SS)).

The N-type pulse generator 1222 generates the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) according to the transition of the input signal V_(IN): when the input signal V_(IN) changes from representing logic “1” to logic “0” (that is, when the falling edge of the input signal V_(IN) occurs), the N-type pulse generator 1222 triggers the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) (edge trigger). The high voltage level of the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) is equal to the voltage V_(DD), and the low voltage level of the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) is equal to the voltage V_(BN); the period length of the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) is equal to the predetermined period T_(P), similarly. The N-type pulse signal V_(NP) is a falling pulse signal.

The N-type bias circuit 1223 comprises inverters INV₃ and INV₄. The inverter INV₃ is mainly utilized for converting the N-type level-shifting signal V_(NS) into the N-type transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) so as to drive the transmitting transistor Q_(N). The inverter INV₄ is mainly utilized for converting the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) into the N-type voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD) so as to bias the voltage-sharing transistor Q_(NS).

More particularly, the input end of the inverter INV₃ is utilized for receiving the N-type level-shifting signal V_(NS); the output end of the inverter INV₃ is coupled to the control end (gate) of the transmitting transistor Q_(N) for outputting the N-type transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) so as to control the transmitting transistor Q_(N). In addition, the power ends of the inverter INV₃ are coupled to the voltage source V_(SS) and the output end of the inverter INV₄. Hence, although the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) is inverted to the N-type level-shifting signal V_(NS), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) is limited between the voltage level of the voltage source V_(SS) and the signal outputted by the inverter INV₄.

The input end of the inverter INV₄ is utilized for receiving the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) and accordingly inverting the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) so as to output the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD). The power ends of the inverter INV₄ are coupled to the voltage sources V_(DD) and V_(BN). Therefore, the amplitude of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD) is limited between the voltages V_(BP) and V_(SS). Consequently, when the voltage level of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD) is equal to the voltage V_(BN), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) is between the voltages V_(SS) and V_(BN); when the voltage level of the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD) is equal to the voltage V_(DD), the amplitude of the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) is between the voltages V_(DD) and V_(SS).

As a result, in the N-type buffer-driving circuit 1220, when the input signal V_(IN) is in the transition state (the falling edge), the received transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) of the transmitting transistor Q_(N) can be raised up more (higher than the voltage V_(BN)) through the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) generated by the N-type pulse generator. In this way, the transmitting transistor Q_(N) can be turned on more completely so that the current passing through the transmitting transistor Q_(N) becomes larger, increasing the speed of discharging the capacitor V_(OUT) and accelerating the responding speed of the buffer 1000.

According to the above-mentioned description, the basic idea of the buffer-driving circuit of the present invention is to generate the pulse signal when the input signal is in the transition state for enhancing the amplitude of the control signal for the buffer circuit so as to increase the responding speed of the buffer of the present invention.

In addition, the period length T_(P) of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) and the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) can be adjusted. If the user is to accelerate the responding speed of the buffer of the present invention, the period length T_(P) can be prolonged; otherwise, if the user is to prolong the lifespan of the components of the buffer of the present invention, the period length T_(P) can be shortened. The above-mentioned condition can be adjusted as desired. In other words, the buffer provided by the present invention is more flexible for designs. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the period length of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) and the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) are both equal to T_(P), however, the period length of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) and the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) can be designed to be different in the practical application according the requirement. For example, if the aspect ratios of the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor of the buffer circuit are not matching, the pulse widths of the N-type pulse signal V_(PP) and the N-type pulse signal V_(NP) have to be properly adjusted for the rising speed of the output signal V_(OUT) equal to the falling speed of the output signal V_(OUT).

It is noticeable that the application range of the buffer-driving circuit of the buffer of the present invention is related to the transition frequency of the input signal V_(IN). More particularly, if the transition frequency of the input signal V_(IN) is too high, that is, the period length of the input signal V_(IN) in the logic “0” state or logic “1” state may be shorter than the period length of the P-type pulse signal V_(PP) and the N-type pulse signal V_(NP), the buffer of the present invention may operate incorrectly. Thus, the pulse widths of the pulse signals of the present invention are limited by the shortest period that the input signal V_(IN) is in the logic “0” state or the logic “1” state. However, in the practical application of the digital circuit, the shortest period of the input signal V_(IN) in the logic “0” state or the logic “1” state is predetermined. Hence, the period length (pulse width) of the pulse signals can be designed according to the shortest period. For instance, in the design of the digital circuit, the shortest period of the input signal V_(IN) in the logic “0” state or the logic “1” state is equal to a fixed cycle. Thus, as long as the period length of the pulse signals are not longer than the fixed cycle, the buffer of the present invention can operate correctly.

Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a time diagram illustrating the relation between the signals in the buffer of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, when the input signal V_(IN) changes from logic “0” into logic “1” (the rising edge), the P-type pulse generator 1212 is triggered to generate a pulse (signal V_(PP)) going up from the voltage V_(SS) to the voltage V_(BP) with the predetermined period T_(P). This pulse causes that the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(PSGD) goes down from the voltage V_(BP) to the voltage V_(SS), and the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(PGD) simultaneously goes down to the voltage V_(SS), so that the transmitting transistor Q_(P) is turned on more completely. In this way, more currents flow from the voltage source V_(DD) to the output end O of the buffer 1000 through the voltage-sharing transistor Q_(PS), increasing the speed of charging the capacitor C_(OUT). For instance, it can be seen that in the output signal V_(OUT) of FIG. 2, the rising speed of the first rising edge of the output signal V_(OUT) is faster than the rising speed of the output signal of a conventional buffer (shown by the dot line) because of the P-type pulse signal. When the input signal V_(IN) changes from logic “1” into logic “0” (the falling edge), the N-type pulse generator 1222 is triggered to generate a pulse (signal V_(NP)) going down from the voltage V_(DD) to the voltage V_(BN) with the predetermined period T_(P). This pulse causes that the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal V_(NSGD) goes up from the voltage V_(BN) to the voltage V_(DD), and the transmitting gate-driving signal V_(NGD) simultaneously goes up to the voltage V_(DD), so that the transmitting transistor Q_(N) is turned on more completely. In this way, more currents drains from the output end O of the buffer 1000 to the voltage source V_(SS) through the voltage-sharing transistor Q_(NS), increasing the speed of discharging the capacitor C_(OUT). For instance, it can be seen that in the output signal V_(OUT) of FIG. 2, the falling speed of the first falling edge of the output signal V_(OUT) is faster than the falling speed of the output signal of a conventional buffer (shown by the dot line) because of the N-type pulse signal.

In conclusion, the buffer-driving circuit provided by the present invention can increase the responding speed of the buffer and prolong the life span of the buffer. In other words, the responding speed of the buffer increases and the lifespan of the buffer is prolonged by means of the pulse signals provided by the buffer-driving circuit. If the user is to accelerate the responding speed of the buffer, the pulse widths of the pulse signals can be prolonged; otherwise, if the user is to prolong the lifespan of the components of the buffer circuit, the pulse widths of the pulse signal can be shortened. The above-mentioned condition can be adjusted as desired. In other words, the buffer-driving circuit and the buffer provided by the present invention are more flexible for designs, providing a great convenience.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. 

1. A buffer of buffering an input signal for generating an output signal from an output end, the buffer comprising: a buffer-driving circuit, for receiving the input signal so as to generate a voltage-sharing gate-driving signal and a transmitting gate-driving signal; a transmitting transistor, coupled to a first voltage source, for receiving the transmitting gate-driving signal; and a voltage-sharing transistor, coupled between the output end and the transmitting transistor, for receiving the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal; wherein when the input signal is a first voltage, the transmitting gate-driving signal is equal to a first predetermined voltage during a first predetermined period that is triggered by a falling edge of the input signal, the transmitting gate-driving signal is equal to a second predetermined voltage after the first predetermined period has elapsed.
 2. The buffer of claim 1, wherein when the input signal is equal to the first voltage, the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal is equal to a third predetermined voltage during a second predetermined period, and the voltage-sharing gate-driving signal is equal to a fourth predetermined voltage after the second predetermined period has elapsed.
 3. The buffer of claim 2, wherein period length of the first predetermined period is substantially equal to the second predetermined period.
 4. The buffer of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined voltage is substantially equal to the third predetermined voltage, and the second predetermined voltage is substantially equal to the fourth predetermined voltage. 